Tim Carl

Calistoga

Writer at Napa Valley Features

Eclectic enthusiast of action and interest

Articles

Under the Hood: American Canyon Grows While the Upvalley Shrinks

5 days ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

This is our version of a pledge drive. For the next two weeks, all content is behind a paywall — including our usual free Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday stories. We’re doing this to remind you: Napa Valley Features runs on reader support. No ads. No corporate owners. Just real local stories. We’ll return to our regular mix of free and subscriber-only content on May 23. If you’re already a paid subscriber — thank you. If not, now’s the time. Help keep independent journalism alive in Napa Valley.
Under the Hood: Food Insecurity in the Land of Plenty

1 week ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

If you're reading this, it's because you value independent, locally owned, ad-free reporting — journalism that prioritizes our region’s stories over corporate spin or clickbait. Join others who care about in-depth, honest reporting by becoming a paid subscriber. If you’re already supporting us, thank you. You can help even more by sharing our work, leaving a comment or encouraging others to subscribe.
Under the Hood: As Wineries Close, Napa’s License Count Surges

2 weeks ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

If you're reading this, it's because you value independent, locally owned, ad-free reporting — journalism that prioritizes our region’s stories over corporate spin or clickbait. Join others who care about in-depth, honest reporting by becoming a paid subscriber. If you’re already supporting us, thank you. You can help even more by sharing our work, leaving a comment or encouraging others to subscribe.
Sunday E-dition: What Remains - An Easter Story

3 weeks ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl |Christina Rossetti

The ocean lay black beneath a sky streaked with smoke. No moon. Just a few stars pushing through the haze, their light dimmed by burning oil platforms on the horizon. On the ship’s bridge, radar screens glowed red. The consoles swept green — slow, steady, watching. Nobody spoke. Just the soft click of instruments. The low thrum of systems beneath our feet. Waiting. The sea looked calm, but the ship shifted in slow, uneven motions — a sway more felt than seen. Below deck the engines pulsed, low and steady.
Under the Hood: April 19

3 weeks ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

If you’re reading this, you care about independent, locally owned, ad-free journalism — reporting that puts our region’s stories first, not corporate interests or clickbait. Join a community that values in-depth, independent reporting. Become a paid subscriber today — and if you already are, thank you. Help us grow by liking, commenting and sharing our work. Welcome to “Under the Hood,” our exclusive Saturday series for Napa Valley Features paid subscribers.
Fred Fisher Has Died - A Quiet Force Behind a Family Legacy

1 month ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

Fred Fisher Has Died — A Quiet Force Behind a Family LegacyFor more than 50 years he helped build an estate rooted in land, family and farming. Fisher Vineyards remains one of the few second-generation, estate-grown family wineries bridging Napa and Sonoma. NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Fred Fisher, co-founder of Fisher Vineyards and a steady presence in the evolution of Napa’s and Sonoma’s wine growing culture, died in April 2025. He was 91.
Sunday E-dition: A Moment to Pause and Smile

1 month ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl |Robert Stevenson

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Before we dive into this week’s batch of reader-submitted captions and comics, a quick note from me, Tim Carl, editor of Napa Valley Features. Some of you have told us you didn’t realize we feature a new cartoon and caption contest every Sunday — tucked just beneath the main story. (Pssst … they occasionally make a cameo in “Dan Berger’s Wine Chronicles,” too.) Each week readers can vote for their favorite caption or submit one of their own.
Under the Hood: What January’s Job Numbers Signal for Napa’s Future

1 month ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

If you’re reading this, you care about independent, locally owned, ad-free journalism — reporting that puts our region’s stories first, not corporate interests or clickbait. Join a community that values in-depth, independent reporting. Become a paid subscriber today — and if you already are, thank you. Help us grow by liking, commenting and sharing our work. Welcome to “Under the Hood,” our exclusive Saturday series for Napa Valley Features paid subscribers.
Grgich Hills - Custodians of a Sacred Place

1 month ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

Editor’s Note: Dan Berger will return next week. In the meantime, we’re highlighting efforts by the team at Grgich Hills Estate to advance regenerative farming in Napa Valley. We Need Your HelpIf you’re reading this, it means you value independent, locally owned, ad-free journalism — storytelling that centers our region, not corporate agendas or clickbait. Join a community that supports in-depth reporting. Become a paid subscriber today. And if you already are — thank you.
Under the Hood: A Growing Divide Between Lodging Supply and Demand

1 month ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Tim Carl

If you’re reading this, you care about independent, locally owned, ad-free journalism — reporting that puts our region’s stories first, not corporate interests or clickbait. Join a community that values in-depth, independent reporting. Become a paid subscriber today — and if you already are, thank you. Help us grow by liking, commenting and sharing our work. Welcome to “Under the Hood,” our exclusive Saturday series for Napa Valley Features paid subscribers.